China’s health authorities reported on January 14 almost 60,000 COVID-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released by the government since it loosened its virus restrictions in early December, Report informs referring to AFP.
China has been widely accused of underreporting its number of coronavirus fatalities since the abandonment of its zero-COVID policy.
A National Health Commission (NHC) official said on January 14 China had recorded 59,938 COVID-related deaths between December 8, 2022, and January 12.
The figure refers only to deaths recorded at medical facilities, with the total number likely to be higher.
The data includes 5,503 deaths caused by respiratory failure directly due to the virus, and 54,435 deaths caused by underlying conditions combined with COVID, Jiao Yahui, head of the NHC’s Bureau of Medical Administration, told a news conference.
Health officials insisted it was ‘not necessary’ to dwell on the exact number.
Beijing revised its methodology for categorizing COVID fatalities last month, saying it would count only those who die specifically of respiratory failure caused by the virus.